Lucas Herbert has surged ahead of the pack after 36 holes at Maaden LIV Golf Virginia, putting himself in prime position to secure his first league victory—and potentially earn a spot in next month’s U.S. Open.
The youngest member of Ripper GC followed up his opening 8-under 64 with an even more impressive round on Friday, carding a bogey-free 9-under 63 to reach 17 under. That gives him a commanding six-shot lead over Fireballs GC captain Sergio Garcia.
It’s the largest 36-hole margin since LIV Golf adopted a 72-hole format this season, and it ties for the second-biggest lead after any second round in league history.
Garcia and Cleeks GC veteran Richard Bland are the only players within 10 shots of the lead. Garcia is at 11 under after shooting a 67, while the 53-year-old Bland posted a bogey-free 66 to move to 7 under.
Garcia isn’t ready to concede the trophy just yet, but he acknowledges the tournament is now in Herbert’s hands. “If he keeps playing like that, it’s going to be very difficult to catch him,” Garcia said.
Crushers GC teammates Charles Howell III and Paul Casey, along with Southern Guards GC’s Dean Burmester, are tied for fourth at 6 under. LIV Golf’s top three points leaders—Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Thomas Detry—are in a five-way tie for seventh place.
Asked about his strategy to close the gap, Casey replied: “Nothing you can do. This is going to sound wrong. Am I worried about Lucas? Of course I am, he’s leading by 10. Am I worried about Lucas? No, because he’s so far ahead, he’s leading by 10, so what can I do?”
Detry entered the week hoping to earn the U.S. Open exemption awarded to the top-three player in the standings who isn’t already exempt. But Herbert is now projected to claim that exemption with a win, unless Detry finishes solo fourth or better.
Herbert’s performance through 36 holes is even more remarkable given that he battled the flu earlier this week, limiting his practice time. Until Thursday’s first round, he hadn’t even seen the front nine at Trump National Washington D.C.
Now fully familiar with the course, Herbert found his rhythm on Friday with flawless iron play, clutch bunker saves, and precise mid-range putting. He closed his front nine with four consecutive birdies and added birdies on his final two holes.
Herbert gained 8.596 strokes on the field—his second-best total in LIV Golf history, trailing only the 10.426 strokes he gained while shooting 61 in Mexico City last year.
Garcia kept pace late, notching four birdies in his final five holes. Bland also finished strong with birdies in three of his last six.
Led by Herbert, Ripper GC holds command of the team leaderboard at a cumulative 21 under, six shots ahead of the Cleeks and Crushers. The Rippers entered this week as the points leader and are chasing their third tournament win of the season.
**Leaderboards**
**Individual Top 10**
1. Lucas Herbert (17-under)
2. Sergio Garcia (11-under)
3. Richard Bland (7-under)
T4. Dean Burmester (6-under)
T4. Paul Casey (6-under)
T4. Charles Howell III (6-under)
T7. Marc Leishman (5-under)
T7. Bryson DeChambeau (5-under)
T7. Thomas Detry (5-under)
T7. Graeme McDowell (5-under)
T7. Jon Rahm (5-under)
**Team Top 3**
1. Ripper GC (21-under)
T2. Crushers GC (15-under)
T2. Cleeks GC (15-under)
